America's Cup: Oracle Team USA continues comeback against Team New Zealand

Updated
Tue 24 Sep 2013, 2:07 PM AEST

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Fans cheers as Team USA crosses the finish line ahead of Team New Zealand to win race 16 of the America's Cup. (Reuters: Stephen Lam)

ABC News

Oracle Team USA defeated Team New Zealand for the fifth America's Cup race in a row on Tuesday (AEST), again denying the Kiwis the one victory they need to take the trophy.

The Kiwis, who won six of the first seven races, led 8-1 last week with nine wins needed for the Cup but have been unable to grab the clinching victory.

The hosts, who were docked two points for pre-regatta violations, have mounted a thrilling comeback and with the series now at 8-6, need only three more wins to retain possession of the Cup.

In the 16th race Team New Zealand crossed the start a touch ahead of the defending champion, but the Americans darted in front and rounded the first gate with a lead of just a few seconds.

The US catamaran, skippered by Australian James Spithill, extended its lead slightly by the second gate and into the critical upwind leg of the race, with the Kiwis splitting toward shore while Oracle aimed for Alcatraz Island.

The Americans managed to hold a lead of more than 100 metres into a downwind leg where the Kiwis were hot on their trail.

Oracle Team USA crossed the finish 33 seconds ahead of the challengers and because light winds delayed the start of race 16, there was no time to hold the second planned race of the day.